Measles (Kızamık)

Publication Date: May 5, 2018

General Information About the Disease

The measles virus mostly settles in the mucous membranes and cavities of patients' mouths and noses. After the measles virus settles in these areas, the disease can become contagious within 1 week. This 1-week period includes the pre-rash and the period after the rash has started.

Symptoms

  • The first symptom of measles is usually a high fever.
  • It begins 10-12 days after exposure to the virus and can last for 4-7 days.
  • In the initial stage, runny nose, redness and watering of the eyes, cough, and white spots inside the cheeks are observed.
  • Approximately 14 days after exposure to the virus (7-18 days), a rash usually starts from the face and upper neck area.
  • Within about three days, the rash spreads to the entire body.
  • The rash disappears after lasting 5-6 days.

Complications

In some patients, serious lung infections such as ear infections, diarrhea, and pneumonia may develop. Although serious cases are rare, measles can also result in brain edema and death.

"Measles is dangerous for pregnant women and infants. It progresses severely in adults."

Prevention and Treatment

  • A vaccine is available and is very effective in preventing the disease.
  • Patients should rest in their rooms.
  • The room should be ventilated frequently and exposed to daylight.
  • The room temperature should be around 20°C.
  • Nutrition, especially fluid intake (feeding with fruit juices), is important.
  • Hygiene and cleanliness are very important; hands should be washed frequently, and dirty hands should not touch the eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • When coughing and sneezing, the mouth and nose should be covered with a tissue or the arm (not the hand).
  • It is necessary to avoid kissing, hugging, sharing the same plate while eating, and drinking from the same glass with sick people.

About the Virus

Measles is an enveloped RNA virus from the Paramyxoviridae family. It is a contagious viral disease that appears in late winter and spring. It is an acute, febrile, rash-causing, and highly contagious viral disease. It is an important cause of serious complications and death in children. It can also cause outbreaks in unvaccinated adults who have not had the disease.